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There is a strong tendency among businesses to move their systems to the cloud or develop applications with high cloud compatibility. The reason is simple - cloud applications and systems are more resilient and performant, and they are easy to maintain, scale, and integrate with other powerful services. Moreover, they are more convenient for developers to work with, considering their deployment and hosting. According to Gartner, businesses favor public and private cloud over traditional on-premise deployment. The tendency is reflected in the rising amount of revenue cloud providers are getting and are expected to get.
But how does the low-code development approach is connected with the cloud industry? Why have Fortune 500 companies started using low-code platforms? Along with the answer, you’ll find several real-life use cases of how the companies successfully employed the low-code platforms in this article.
What are cloud-computing and cloud-native applications?
Before we start diving into the low-code cloud applications and how businesses use low-code for their cloud migration, let’s get the terminology straight.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is a modern way of delivering various digital services like analytics, databases, servers, business intelligence, software, etc. through the Internet. There are three types of cloud computing: public, private, and hybrid.
Public cloud services are owned and managed by a third-party provider. These providers offer their cloud-based services and storage over the Internet. Users access such cloud services via web browsers and have no influence over the infrastructure itself. The most renowned examples of public cloud services are Microsoft Azure and AWS CloudFormation.
Private cloud environments are used exclusively by a single business or organization. With this kind of cloud computing, businesses need to set up and maintain their own cloud infrastructure that includes servers, applications, and storage. Sometimes, companies choose to pay third parties to host their cloud.
The hybrid cloud concept combines public and private clouds together. This is possible owing to special software that allows the two environments to exchange data and apps. Developing this kind of hybrid cloud is hard, but highly beneficial for business security, flexibility, and compliance.
Businesses across all industries use cloud computing to speed up their digital operations, improve their system performance, and make their digital more scalable and reliable.
Cloud-native software development
Cloud-native is a development approach focusing on applications and software tailored to take full advantage of different cloud services. That means that cloud-native applications are flexible, easily scalable, and resilient. Businesses that developed their apps using a cloud-native approach experience less trouble expanding their systems, and integrating their app with other services. Cloud-native apps are loosely-coupled, reliable, and secure.
Low-code platforms for cloud-native development
Low-code platforms for cloud development allow citizen developers to produce sophisticated cloud applications and systems. Such platforms practice a visual approach to development where the complex code clusters are represented as pre-made templates and out-of-box functionalities. Thus, instead of writing long lines of code, developers can compile the necessary elements on a low-code platform’s interface. Essentially, low code speeds up and facilitates the development process, liberating.
At the same time, low-code platforms give enough space for cloud customization with unique integrations, features, and business logic. We will review the advantages of a low-code approach to cloud development in more detail further in this article.
Why businesses choose cloud migration
Low maintenance costs
Cloud environments are much easier to maintain and support. This comes from the fact that cloud systems are flexible, and have precise bug reporting, and disaster recovery features.
High integration capacity
Nowadays, most brand-new technologies and digital services are cloud-based. Following the trend of cloud migration, businesses make their apps compatible with the cloud. That means that if you have you deploy and develop your system in the cloud, the process of integration with other apps will be as easy as several mouse clicks.
Easy scalability
Cloud environments are elastically scalable, so it won’t be a problem for a business to add new features and storage space in accordance with the growing demands.
Advanced BI and analytics
You can connect cloud apps and systems to AI and ML to drive insights from the data stored in the cloud. As you might know, many AI technologies offer their services on the Internet. Cloud systems too, so all it takes to embed AI into a cloud application is to connect them.
How do low-code platforms facilitate cloud app development?
So, what are the benefits of low-code cloud development platforms?
Reduces development costs
The first and most valuable benefit of low-code platforms is that they significantly lower cloud development costs. The primary reason for that is the simplicity of use and pre-made functionalities. Although low-code platforms require some solid understanding of development, they allow citizen developers to produce high-end cloud apps. This means that you can hire a team of middle-level developers instead of cloud pros that are not only cost much but hard to find.
Low-code cloud applications intrinsically carry all the benefits of cloud-native apps. Above that, they facilitate all the development and migration operations,
Speed-up of software development
Low-code platforms’ visual app-building process with drag-and-drop functionalities makes the app-creation process up to 10x faster than traditional high-code development. Instead of building all the elements from scratch, low-code developers can leverage pre-built components, functionalities, and integrations. From platform to platform, the number of out-of-box components and integrations differ. But the low code’s customization capacity creates enough space to build any lacking feature.
On top of that, low-code platforms usually include a set of developer productivity tools like code suggestions, AI-powered code quality control, DevOps tools, and powerful IDEs (Integrated Development Environments). Eventually, the low-code platform cloud development takes months, not years, to deliver a multifunctional, stable, and integrated system.
Allow hiring junior/middle-level developers instead of cloud pros.
One of the main challenges businesses face while trying to build their cloud environment is finding a high-level professional. As the technology is quite new and deserves deep expertise from the developers, companies usually have a hard time hiring pros of such caliber. Obviously, that’s because all the best minds are recruited by cloud tech giants like Amazon or Apple.
Low-code platforms for cloud-native development solve that problem, offering visual code abstractions to build the apps. Thus, your technical staff doesn’t have to possess in-depth knowledge of cloud development to add complex functions and integrations.
Better cloud system security
Low-code platforms for cloud app development provide multiple security measures to protect the system from the hack and your data from theft. First off, your applications became stronger due to the high-quality code structure. Low-code platforms reduce human errors during development and include accurate bug reporting that leaves no weaknesses from your back end.
Low-code cloud systems stand up to the highest software quality and security levels, complying with the most stringent compliance standards (ISO27001, ISO9001, etc.).
Seamless scalability and maintenance
Owing to reusable modules and components, low-code platforms provide an easy way to extend your cloud environment in response to your business requirements.
Low-code platforms for cloud-native development: real-life use cases
Here we get to the juice of the article - the use cases of cloud-oriented low-code development platforms.
OutSystems and Western Union: client-side banking apps, workflow automation, and digital back office.
Outsystems is a low-code platform for cloud-native app development. It provides enterprise-level cloud computing power to run and deploy both mobile and web apps plus business-critical management systems. OutSystems is a leading low-code platform that helps businesses not only build cloud apps from scratch but to migrate existing systems. Among the apps, you can create with the platform are internal business apps, customer portals, banking applications, business core systems, SAP extensions, AI-powered process automation apps, and others.
The platform accelerated cloud adoption across multiple industries including healthcare, e-commerce, banking, education, etc.
Recently, Western Union leveraged the power of OutSystems for their customer apps, back office, and workflow solutions.
Challenge: The company is moving its core business systems from on-premise to the cloud.
Result: With the help of the OutSystems platform and a few professional low-code developers, Western Union got two performant and secure mobile apps in record time.
The outcome is better described by the WU Innovation Officer, Tom Mazzaferro: “OutSystems provides the innovation and agility to accelerate the digital transformation of Western Union. In just 11 months, we delivered a full-service digital banking experience that expands our relationship with customers.”
Mendix and Mitsubishi Elevator: IOT-enabled remote monitoring system.
Another strong low-code platform that offers cloud development options is Mendix. It is a cloud-based PaaS low-code platform that includes a classical visual development toolkit. Using the platform, you can create cloud-native applications that are easily scalable, containerized out-of-box, and have redundant architecture by default. Mendix can help businesses with creating cloud-native mobile applications, automatization tools, cloud-integrated web applications, and others. All the applications can be deployed anywhere, including the cloud. Besides, Mendix’s architecture makes it easy to migrate on-premise legacy business applications to the cloud.
Among the businesses that have already used the platform for their digital transformation are Rolls Royce, Fugro, Norsk Hydro, and other world-famous companies.
But let’s review the actual cloud system development case for Mitsubishi Elevator.
Challenge: The company aimed to increase operational efficiency and enhance customer experience by introducing the top cloud solutions.
Results:
- With Mendix, Mitsubishi’s low-code development partners developed a customer-facing app only in two weeks;
- Then, the company created a field service application for maintenance engineers. This app allows Mitsubishi’s back office to know the location of their engineers and ensure that the right engineer is being assigned to emergency repairs more quickly.
- Also, Mitsubishi connected its IoT network to the new system. Today, cloud real-time analytics drives much more valuable insight from the data securely collected by sensors.
Cloud computing trends to watch in 2023
Multi-cloud
Multi-cloud is an approach to cloud migration where the business system is able to connect to multiple cloud services and easily change the deployment. This way of organizing cloud systems gains popularity owing to the ability to increase system efficiency with the best tools from different cloud service providers or easily change one.
Low-code/No-code cloud services
Low-code and no-code are all about accelerated software development and allow citizen developers to create more complex apps. And you already know what other benefits it brings to businesses during their cloud migration. All in all, the core reason low-code cloud development is an upcoming trend is its reduced costs and fast software time-to-market.
Cloud Security
Security was a concern in the cloud community for quite a while. Surely, modern cloud services can have much higher protection. However, it's not perfect yet. So, businesses are still in search of better ways to protect their cloud-stored data. By the way, low-code cloud platforms (e.g. OutSystems) are on the verge of cloud security and usually offer great SecOps as a service.
Low-code development experts
Low-code platforms for cloud development are powerful tools but their full potential reveals itself in the hands of professionals. Despite the ease of use of low-code platforms, companies still need experienced low-code developers to create secure, stable, and performant cloud systems.
If you are looking for professional support for your cloud digital transformation, consider Akveo low-code services. For 8+ years, our developers helped multiple businesses, using the top low-code platforms. We work with different industries including FinTech, EdTech, manufacturing, healthcare, e-commerce, insurance, and start-ups. Akveo offers full-cycle of low-code development assistance:
- Low-code consulting and the selection of the platform suitable for your cloud development project;
- Cloud-based low-code apps and systems development;
- Low-code cloud migration services to Microsoft Azure and AWS Cloud;
- Creation of custom low-code integrations to your existing cloud system.
Contact us our low-code development experts to get a free consultation regarding your business case and how low-code can facilitate cloud development campaign.
Billing Automation for a SaaS Company with Low-Code
Our client needed a robust billing solution to manage hierarchical licenses, ensure compliance, and automate invoicing for streamlined operations.
The solution:
We developed a Retool-based application that supports multi-tiered licenses, automates invoicing workflows, and integrates seamlessly with CRM and accounting platforms to enhance financial data management.
The result:
- Achieved 100% adherence to licensing agreements, mitigating penalties.
- Automated invoicing and workflows reduced manual effort significantly.
- Dashboards and reports improved decision-making and operational visibility.
Retool Dashboards with HubSpot Integration
Our client needed a centralized tool to aggregate account and contact activity, improving visibility and decision-making for the sales team.
The solution
We built a Retool application integrated with HubSpot, QuickMail, and Clay.com. The app features dashboards for sorting, filtering, and detailed views of companies, contacts, and deals, along with real-time notifications and bidirectional data syncing.
The result
- MVP in 50 hours: Delivered a functional application in just 50 hours.
- Smarter decisions: Enabled data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Streamlined operations: Reduced manual tasks with automation and real-time updates.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
